Your strength can be keeping you in your comfort zone or limiting you in some other way and preventing you from reaching your full potential. If you know your strengths, ask yourself how they are limiting you. They do, and it deserves some thought. Let’s walk through an example.
My number one strength is my learning ability. I have the ability to learn new things quickly and effectively. This strength is very useful when I am faced with new challenges, or I want to pursue a new path. You may be thinking that this strength would create few limitations, but you would be wrong. Here are some potential risks:
1. Lack of Focus: Since I like to learn new things, I learn a lot of different things. This drive to continue learning can lead to a lack of focus. There are so many subjects to learn about in this world, and I find them all fascinating. I must use discipline and systems to keep myself focused. If I don’t force myself to focus, my attention easily wanders.
2. Lack of Depth: Without focus, I may also develop a multitude of general knowledge without developing any expertise. Or as an alternative, I may find myself developing to be an expert in disparate topics.
3. Lack of Delegation: At times I find myself doing a task because I want to learn how to do it, even though I would be better served if I delegated it, or hired someone else to complete it. In some cases, I should know something about how to do tasks I delegate, but it is not always required. This can keep me from working on more important issues.
These three potential risks are real for people that are strong in learning ability. These people find the process of learning enjoyable no matter the topic, and it results in real problems.
This week, think about your greatest strength, and the risk associated with it. Try to define three real potential road blocks based on your greatest strength. If you discover questions that you need help to pursue, feel free to contact me.
